As a nation, we are shaking our heads and wondering how we can better protect our children after the shooting tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.

Anyone who watched the news saw children barely old enough to attend school crying and holding on to each other, listening and following their teachers’ directions.

I cried as I watched the little ones face one of the worst forms of evil. But one part of this story served as an uplifting reminder.

I could not help but feel pride and a warm heart as I learned how my fellow teachers faced death to protect their students.

Reporters were singing the praises of the teachers, as they should. However, it was not surprising to me to watch educators jumping in front of students, doors or windows to protect “their” children.

I once wrote a column for The Dallas Morning News, “Teachers’ influence lasts forever.” I received more than 500 responses from parents, students, teachers, administrators and others who had personally witnessed the influence of one or more of God’s servants, angels on earth — the teacher.

In that column, I told the story of a teacher friend of mine who re-read a note from a former student every year on the first day of school. He was dying of cancer when he wrote these words: “When you read this note I will have gone to heaven, but I will always remember the difference you made in my life. You made me laugh and have something to look forward to every day.”

I received some harsh criticism when I wrote another column on teacher pay. “I want to take a brickbat to Kristie Smith’s article on teacher pay,” someone wrote. “They do not work long hours, nor do many take on a second job,” the author wrote.

Thankfully, many did not agree with the brick-thrower. They began discussing teachers who worked several extra hours a week, above and beyond the pay that they bring home.

I applaud my colleagues every day when I am in and out of classrooms. I witness compassion, hard work and genuine caring that goes beyond the big kahuna Texas test that they must conquer in order to keep their jobs.

A teachers’ influence affects eternity. And on Friday, teachers once again spoke through their actions.

It really isn’t about the pay; it is about love and taking care of God’s most precious work — our children.

I am sending out prayers not only to the people directly affected by this tragedy, but to teachers who give love, support and counseling to children day after day while struggling to make ends meet with a paycheck that pales in comparison to others.

So, if you see an educator today, give him or her a hug and thank them for choosing to be a teacher. And let’s put the bricks away.

Kristie Smith teaches visually impaired students of all ages in Mesquite ISD and is a a frequent contributor of Voices columns. Her email address is ksmith05@me.com.